A Simple Parents Guide To International Schools in Singapore

The growing expat community in Singapore doesn’t have to worry about the education system for their children. Fortunately, the country has many top-rated international schools offering higher learning opportunities and experiences. Most of them offer International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, whereas some can run the country’s original curriculum program. When you live in a particular country, you may want your kids to go to a school where holidays coincide with the national holidays. It gives you more freedom to plan your days. But longer waiting lists and other factors are also there.

School fees

International schools usually charge higher fees, which can be an unusual experience for expats. Plus, the cost can increase every year from 3 to 8%. You can add additional expenses also, such as application and enrolment charges, infrastructure costs, excursion fees, learning support, books, uniform, lunches, transport, insurance, extra activities, etc. You can expect discounts if more than one kid is going to the school. But it is primarily relevant for the third and fourth kids. Also, fees can vary from school to school. Some can ask for upfront payment, while others can have an installment system.

Culture

You need to be aware of the ethos and value system of the educational institution to understand what your children will learn there. If you have any particular preference, it becomes a more critical aspect.

Admission

Schools have different application procedures, which you can find in their brochures and websites. Most of them allow online application submission. However, their requirements can again vary. For example, one of the criteria can be proficiency in English based on age. Then, some can hold entrance exams, while others can ask for previous school report cards. Usually, the process begins one year in advance of the academic year. But school transfer cases can also apply. Another thing is the waiting list. If the seats get full, you will have to wait for a vacancy.

Choice of subjects and languages

When browsing through the options, you would want to know what subjects and language options those schools provide. It can be a crucial decision if your child has to think about their career.

Location and transport

You can again refer to school brochures to understand their location and commute options. Although most international schools provide bus services for an extra fee, you want to know the pick-up and drop-off points. Also, make sure to understand whether the school has any plans to relocate.

So, when you search for an international school in Singapore, you can consider the following things to make your choices more informed and wise.

Child-to-teacher ratio

Every school will have a teacher against a particular class size. The ratio can significantly vary. So, it can be another consideration.

Like these, you can enquire about student assessment programs, extra-curricular activities, and others. The comprehensive search will lead you to the best decision for your kid. And you have to ensure that you thoroughly examine all the international schools before enrolling your kid somewhere. It can help avoid disappointments.